Jesus

Salvation is not guaranteed, no matter what you may have been told

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Now once you get done laughing and are still here reading. Allow me to explain the title of this article, and since the best place to start this is with the words of Jesus Christ Himself:
Revelation 3:5 – All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.
Now some of you will be saying. What does this have to do with not being assured of one’s salvation? EVERYTHING! Let’s look at the King James:
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
“and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life,”
First off note the phrasing of the sentence. It implies that Jesus has the power to add and remove the names that are listed within the Book of Life. “I will not blot out.”
Now let’s break this down further.
Blot out – exaleipho – to rub (smear) out, i.e. completely remove (wipe away); obliterate; remove totally from a previous state with the outcome of being blotted out (erased).
To be erased they must have their name placed within it to begin with. Now let’s again turn to the words of Jesus.
John 15:1 – “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
“Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.”
“Anyone who does not remain in me.” This identifies one of the focal points of God’s gift given to all of humanities. That being free-will. It states that we have a choice in our relationship with Christ and through Him, God. It is a true inter-relationship in which each person has a say. However, Jesus will remain loyal, on His part, yet humans do show what is most important to themselves. This goes to teachings within the Bible that states is it not all works, as well as not all faith, but an equal measure of both. This is what allows us to bear fruit upon our branch. However if we go outside of this balance then we no longer bear fruit. Also if we turn away from what the Bible teaches, especially those given by Jesus Christ Himself, then we no longer bear fruit.
This guidance made by Jesus Christ Himself in one of His private teachings to the apostles makes it clear. If you no longer have an interactive relationship with Him, then you wither and die. At this point God Himself removes you from His Son, and you are cast into the fire. The implication of the word “fire” is as one would expect, the fires of hades.
So if you are of the vine of Christ, you are saved. Your name is written in the Book of Life. Then your branch is broken off from the vine, from Christ. You are no longer a part of the body. Your name is removed from the Book of Life. So as you can see, Salvation is not guaranteed.
What is needed by all that wish to be within the vine or to remain within the vine is to learn the Bible and to not just say “I am Christian,” but to live a Christian life and lifestyle. Not just through their words, but their actions. From obeying the speed limit to living not within wealth and luxury, but in moderation. Saving the majority of your wealth and then to give to those in need before yourself. This world, this temporal plain of existence we now live within is not where our minds should be focused, but on God and the eternal life that is to come.

The Christian walk (part five)

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The next step
Seeking after the world as was pointed out at the end of the precious part of this series makes of us that calls ourselves “Christian,” adulterers. Yet the majority that calls themselves “Christian,” go about their lives, living in Christian adultery and don’t even give it a second thought. Many in fact come to embrace this as part of their outward sign that they are in fact “Christian.” As was shown in James 4:4-10, that is the furthest thing from the truth.
Yet what is it that makes people Christian adulterers?
It is how they live their lives.
Revelation 3:14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. 22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
“I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!”
The moment we seek after things. The moment we desire to have the biggest, the most expensive. The name brand items. Those special golf clubs, that million dollar house, that fifty thousand dollar car. You no longer serve God but yourself. That house, that car.
Mathew 6:19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
This money you are scrimping and saving just to spend or place yourself in debt for. Could in fact be spent as we are told how to spend by the Bible itself.
1 John 3: 17 – If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
The answer is it not.
Matthew 19:16 – Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” 21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. 24 I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”
When living a Christian walk. We should not seek the best, the brightest, the most expensive. We are to seek after a live that does not deprive us of some comforts. However, when those comforts become the focus of your wealth then we are not serving God, but the world. Our treasures are not in heaven, but in the temporal. The here, the now. And they are especially not on those in need.
We are to live a modest life and if we are given more than a modest income. Then what is beyond modesty is ALL GODS and no one else’s, not even yourself. That is a Christian walk.

The Christian walk (part four)

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The first steps (part three)
How do you put following the road laws into practice?
As was pointed out at the end of the previous part. A lot of reasons as to why people go about not doing following the road laws, was given. If you noticed they focused upon one thing. The self.
This is when we need to look what Jesus called the greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
If you love God with all your heart, soul and mind. How can you think of your own wants and desires?
The road laws state that you are to go a certain speed limit. This increases the time it takes to travel when you do not speed. So staying up to watch a sports event, or that special show. Staying out with your friends in a bar or at a party. Just because it is what you want. This does not place God as the most important person in your life. You are your most important person. You are your own god.
Exodus 20:3 “You must not have any other god but me.”
Yet this is shown daily upon the road. When you speed you are your own god. When you cut someone off because you are in the lane that is ending and they have the right of way you are loving yourself over your neighbor. Something that is popular in Pennsylvania, turning across traffic in front of oncoming traffic as the light turns green. Again this is someone placing themselves above all others, and especially God.
So as you can see just driving a car is a way of reflecting your Christian faith. Common courtesy along with not placing yourself first in any situation is by definition living a Christian life.
But how is that accomplished?
You stop placing yourself first.
This is not easy. This is why following the laws of the road is so important. It actually teaches you to become aware of your Christian walk through life. It shows you when you are being selfish and self-serving. It points out to you when you are placing yourself above others.
It also shows just how difficult the true Christian walk can be and is.
James 4:4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

The Christian walk (part three)

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The first steps (part two)
Why put obeying the road laws into practice?
The main reason for this is made perfectly clear in Romans 13, but we shall do a deep dive into these verses to get a better understanding and thus answer the above question
Romans 13:1 – Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
For all authority comes from God.
To address this we must turn to the fourth book of Daniel
4:17 – “For this has been decreed by the messengers; it is commanded by the holy ones, so that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses— even to the lowliest of people.”
Simply obeying the laws given by a state or nation that do not go against the Bible and its teachings is something that we must follow as an open expression of our faith and love in God and His Son Jesus Christ.
So following the speed limit says you love Jesus.
When an ending lane merges to the lane that does not. If you are in the lane ending you allow those in the other lane to go before you, yielding them the right of way. This in turn goes into the next verse in Titus three:
2 – They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
The laws created for the road are practices taught within the Bible, just applied to how you get about in your everyday life. Yet, most that profess to be “Christian” find the need to follow these laws a burden, an inconvenience, something to be tolerated. Why? Because they the “Christian” are more important.
They are more important than God or their very salvation.
To be humble is one of the true vestments of Christianity. So what is the word “humility” in Titus?
Humility (NLT) – meekness (KJV) – praiotes – properly, temperate, displaying the right blend of force and reserve (gentleness). praótēs (“strength in gentleness”) avoids unnecessary harshness, yet without compromising or being too slow to use necessary force.
I will let you ponder upon this definition, and allow you to make your own conclusion as how to behave upon the road.
I have heard all the excuses by those that profess “Christianity.”
“Well during the time I am driving, if I go the speed limit I am a safety hazard to those upon the road.”
“If I go the speed limit I have to go to bed earlier and miss my favorite TV show.”
“I have so far to travel I will be on the road longer.”
These are things I hope if have not already been shown to be addressed, as they should be by now, they will be addressed as we answer the next two questions as this series continues.

The Christian walk (part two)

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The first steps (part one)
The first steps are the hardest aren’t they? It takes months for a baby to finally get to the point of walking. It is a series of trials and errors. Sometimes they are a shock, a surprise. Other times it hurts and the child ends up crying at the least, bleeding at the most. This too is the Christian faith as we strive ever daily to be more Christ-like.
However, we need a starting point. To follow the commandments we must come to understand that the true “commandments” is not just the ten commandments. In fact the commandments are found in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy. This is verified in an exchange Jesus has with one of the religious leaders that confronted Him. It is found in Mark twelve, Luke ten and Matthew twenty-two. However it is also first shown in Deuteronomy six:
4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.
This confirms that all the laws within these three book to a degree are still in force. Does this mean we are to go and stone someone? For heaven’s sake no. It does mean we need to put those things into practice that can be maintained by our own actions and behavior. Nor are we to perform sacrifices for Jesus was the pure Lamb sacrificed for our salvation unto to His Father God.
However, what is our first steps other than coming to know the Bible and the commandments there in? How do we put into practice that which we know we must do to avoid death of our spirit? For we have determined not to live by faith alone, but by both faith and works.
Well we have to find something that is common for most of humanity, be they Christian or not.
Romans 13:1 – Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
Titus 3:1 – Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.
Now I know many both Christian and non-Christian that daily disobey this one teaching. So it is here that I feel we should begin. For from here once it becomes a habit can lead unto to other teachings and commandments within the Bible. What is this one thing that is daily disobeyed? Following the speed limits and other traffic laws.
This is something that is shared by all of humanity and can in reality show your commitment to following God with all your heart, mind and soul. But how is that accomplished? How do you put it into practice? Why put it into practice? I will answer all three of these questions in reverse order as we continue this series.

The Christian walk (part one)

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If you love me, keep my commandments.

These are the words of Jesus Christ in the fourteenth chapter of John the fifteenth verse. They are direct and to the point. However, when you really look into how those that call themselves “Christian.” How many of them truly do not love Jesus. For the majority do not follow this direct and simple directive from Jesus Christ the Son of God.
One of the main reasons for this is due to not even understanding their own faith and beliefs that form this faith. This is something that need to be addressed. Many perceive this as legalism.
The main reason for this is due to how the true Word of God has been diluted or not even taught fully or completely. They live under a belief that if all they do is believe then they will make it into heaven.
James 2:14 – What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Faith alone without following the commandments is dead. It is a simple statement. It comes straight to the point. If you do not follow and live the teachings of Jesus Christ you are dead unto Him. If you are dead unto Him, you are not of Him, and so hate Him. They are living what is called a lukewarm live.
How does Jesus Himself few the lukewarm?
Revelation 3:15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
They are so distasteful to Him that He spits them from His Body.
So how can we change this? How can we make it where we are not spit out by Jesus?
We come full circle back to where we began. We follow the commandments.
It is here that someone will start to argue that Jesus dying upon the cross and then rising upon the third day removed the need to follow the commandments. However that is not the correct interpretation of what the Bible teaches.
Matthew 5:17 – “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the Law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Again we are told by Jesus Christ Himself that we are to follow the commandments. So how can you even attempt to question? It is not me that you are challenging but Jesus Christ Himself and His own words. So following the commandments, especially those taught by Jesus Christ Himself are not legalism, it is the required works of a living faith in Jesus and His Father, God. It is the act of love He asks of us to do.

The Olivet Discourse (Part seventeen)

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Final announcement of his coming death
At the end of the Olivet discourse Jesus finishes His teaching unto the apostles with this final warning of his coming death.
Matthew 26:1 – When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
The Bible makes no mention of the reaction to these words by the apostles. Instead it goes right to where the elders of the religious order in Jerusalem are plotting with Caiaphas to do just what Jesus had just stated would occur.
The fact that there is no mention of a response from the apostles shows their blindness to most of what they had just heard.
To summarize
What we learn from the Olivet discourse is a snapshot into the future. We learn that Jesus will not have His second return as soon as many expect. In fact He states in the parables that He will appear to be delayed. We learn that His return will be like a thief in the night, and shows that there are different rapture events. One will occur without any warning while a separate one will occur with the sky itself darkening. We learn that if things do not go quickly the human race will become extinct.
We are warned to stay alert and stay true to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. We are shown that there will be those that are like the people that were before the great flood. They will be living their lives as if nothing is going to happen and yet in the blink of an eye all will change in an instance and will be signaled by the first rapture. This will then cause those that realize the truth to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah and in turn these will be persecuted.
He tells those of the Jewish faith to watch for the desecration of the Holy of Holies which speaks of a third temple and when it occurs to flee quickly.
Out of all of it though is the warning to stay prepared. To stay alert. To watch for the signs of His return. These signs are now present as never before. They are global. They are affecting everyone and everywhere. There can be no doubt that we are in the end times of the world as we now know it.
So get right with God. Learn the Bible and follow the teachings within it. For we are told to obey and follow the Bible and to do what is right and righteous. For if we don’t we will be left behind and must face the horror that that entails.

The Olivet Discourse (Part sixteen)

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The judgement of the nations
Matthew 25:31 – “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Now once again I wish to remind those that have been following this series about the word “nations.”
Nations is ethnos in the Greek and in actuality refers to races not an actual country.
So basically it is stating that all the people of the earth are gathered before Jesus as He sets upon His Throne. The fact that He is separating them points to the Great White Throne Judgment at which time we will have the books of our life opened and reviewed as well to see if our name is listed in the Book of Life.
By how the verses plays out about separating the sheep from the goats and that those on the right, the sheep, “inherit the Kingdom.” Shows that there is a judgment here.
Matthew 25:41 – “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ 44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ 45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Those that deny God and His Son’s teachings will have to join their true master Satan in the pit of fire that has been reserved for them for all eternity.
However if you are found to be righteous and true to God and the teachings of the Bible you will go into the next phase of existence and partake of the tree of life to live for all eternity in the service of God.

The Olivet Discourse (Part fifteen)

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Parable of the three servants and the talents or silver
Matthew 25:14 – “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. 16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. 19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ 21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ 23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
This parable deals within not just salvation but of spreading the Word of God to others. So that they too can partake of the wonders and glory that are to be given unto all that are faithful in the eternal life to come. Those that are faithful to the Word of God and spread it faithfully and accurately are blessed and given more responsibilities. While those that receive their salvation and hide it and do not share unto the world the teachings of Jesus Christ are not welcome in the house of the Lord and are cast into the pit “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Do not hide your faith and belief in God and His Son Jesus Christ. Do not defame the Word and the teachings that are within the Bible. Most importantly share your faith to the world. Do not hide away the fact that you are Christian.

The Olivet Discourse (Part fourteen)

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A change of topics
Now that Jesus has answered the two questions posed to Him by the apostles. Jesus continues the discourse into a deeper teaching that He wanted the disciples to hear before He could not teach them. Here again He starts this teaching with a parable.
The parable of the ten virgins
Matthew 25:1 – “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ 7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ 13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
This parable deals with the Rapture. Within it is a very complex imagery of belief and preparedness, as well as Christ stating He may be delayed. Let’s try and look at the imagery presented here.
First off we have the bridesmaids. The word “bridesmaids” is in itself extremely important to understand for within it is referring to salvation itself. In other books within the Bible Jesus Christ is referred to as the “bridegroom” and the Christian peoples are the “bridesmaids.” Just as the Jewish people are called the bride to God Himself.
Now note how  the wording is done in the first verse of this chapter. In the KJV it is this way:
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.”
“Went forth to meet.” This is humanity using their free-will to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and journeying forth to learn more about Him through pray and reading of the Bible. This is signified with the statement “which took their lamps.” The lamps are lit, which again points to acceptance of Christ and salvation.
“And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”
For the lamps to stay lit it shows we must be prepared. This is accomplished through reading the Bible and seeking to understand it. Since we do not know when the groom will appear we must stay within the Word of God and live our lives accordingly. We must live our lives in accordance with the Bible every day for we do not know when Jesus will come. It must also be stated that the oil is a representation of the Holy Spirit. Note that all ten bridesmaids have oil. Just not enough for those that are foolish. Again showing that those who are the bridesmaids are born again and saved as well as filled with the Holy Ghost.
However as is shown in the parable there are those that do not. They have not kept a reserve of oil handy. They live their lives in and of the world and so are not prepared for His return. These are the foolish. However note this next verse:
“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.”
Jesus makes it clear that in our eyes, the bridegroom, Jesus, will tarry, will delay.
We also see that all that accepted Christ will fall asleep. We all wonder and become distracted.
“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”
The “cry” is the warning signs that we are taught to look for, which at this very time are being seen and heard throughout the entire world. So the virgins, the bridesmaids, are instructed to go to meet the bridegroom. We are instructed to fix our lives and get back on track and to return to our path of faith and obedience to the Word of God.
“Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.”
Those that did not see the signs and did not prepare or “trimmed their lamps” soon enough find they are not prepared. So they turn to those that are prepare for the return of Christ. So they tell those not ready to go and read the Bible and learn the truth and get their lives in order.
Then Christ returns and the rapture occurs and those not prepared are left on the earth. They scream up to the heavens and say “Here we are Lord we are ready for you!” and per the Bible Christ reply will be:
“Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”
They are left here to suffer the torments that are to follow for the next three and a half years. They must now accept Christ and preach His Word. They must suffer insult and injury as well as persecution. They will be offered the mark of the beast and many will accept the mark. While those that do not will accept their fate and suffer pain and agony as they are beheaded. They will become the martyrs of the Tribulation and will number in the billions.
Revelation 7: 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.